What is an important nursing consideration when caring for a patient with skin traction?
Elevating the affected limb above heart level to reduce edema.
Avoiding weight adjustments in the traction without the healthcare provider's order.
Keeping the adhesive straps or wraps clean and dry to prevent infection.
Encouraging active range of motion exercises for the affected limb.
The Correct Answer is B
Adjusting the weight used in skin traction without a healthcare provider's order can lead to complications or improper alignment of the fractured bone. Weight adjustments should only be made based on the healthcare provider's instructions.
a. Elevating the affected limb can help reduce edema but may not be specific to skin traction care.
c. Keeping the adhesive straps or wraps clean and dry is essential to prevent skin breakdown and infection, but it is not the primary nursing consideration related to traction.
d. Encouraging active range of motion exercises is not recommended while the patient is in skin traction, as it may disrupt the traction's stabilizing effect on the fractured bone. Passive range of motion exercises may be performed as appropriate, with the healthcare provider's approval.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Option A is appropriate because assessing the skin under the traction tape helps monitor for any signs of skin breakdown, irritation, or pressure ulcers. Regular skin assessments are essential to prevent complications related to skin traction.
b. Tightening the traction ropes to increase the traction force is incorrect. The traction force should be set by the healthcare provider, and altering it without proper authorization may lead to adverse effects or further injury.
c. Placing the traction weights on the bed instead of suspending them is incorrect. Traction weights should be suspended freely to provide the appropriate traction force and maintain proper alignment of the fractured bone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Asking the physical therapist for input on the patient's progress demonstrates effective nursing collaboration. The physical therapist's expertise is valuable in assessing the patient's response to range of motion exercises in traction.
a. Taking over the physical therapist's role in performing the exercises is not appropriate, as each healthcare professional has a specific scope of practice and should work collaboratively.
b. Informing the physical therapist that the exercises are unnecessary disregards the physical therapist's expertise and is not conducive to effective collaboration.
d. Disregarding the physical therapist's recommendations undermines the collaborative effort and diminishes the potential benefits of working together.
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